Cruise Shipping Miami… As one of the most anticipated cruise industry events of the year, this international gathering of exhibitors, attendees and cruise industry professionals is always full of excitement. 2015 marks the conference’s 31st year, and just as it had in previous events, Cruise Shipping Miami delivered. Kemplon Engineering rounds up some of the highlights:

The Sessions hosted a panel of cruise industry luminaries, including executives from such power players as Carnival Corp., MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Among the insights shared in these sessions, was that: (1) cruisers as a market has evolved to be more tech savvy, and do a lot of research online—giving weight to exposure on websites; (2) the cruise industry can look to developing markets aside from China; and (3) in spite of the proliferation of mega-ships, we must be cognizant of the fact that some emerging destinations have ports and waterways that cannot accommodate their size.

The Chinese Market was discussed in a study released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board on the first day of Cruise Shipping Miami. The size of the potential prize? Greater China’s 83 million-strong possible cruise passengers. Another study discussed port development in Hong Kong and nearby areas that could help market growth. Opportunities in Cuba for the industry– should economic restrictions be lifted– were also addressed and discussed enthusiastically.

The Asian Cruise Market received a lot of attention again this year, and with good reason. According to a study released by Cruise Lines International Association (“CLIA”) during Cruise Shipping Miami, it’s a double-digit growth for the region in terms of number of ships and passengers. Other interesting findings in the study? That many Asian passengers are below 40 years of age, and that they usually sail within the region due to shorter vacation times.

Aside from the sharing of insights and information, Cruise Shipping Miami was used by companies like MSC Cruises to make important announcements. Europe-based MSC will be a greater presence in North America when they resume year-round sailing activities from Miami in 2017, on a new generation of innovative ships. In a company first, they will also be christening the MSC Seaside in Miami, and will have a dedicated berth for the vessel in accordance with an arrangement with PortMiami.

These are just a few of the developments from the ever-eventful Cruise Shipping Miami. Next year, renovations at the Miami Beach Convention Center will bring the event to Fort Lauderdale. We can only hold our breath in excitement for what the next one will bring!